HRS4R

The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R)

The Human Resources Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is a European Commission initiative aimed at improving research institutions’ policies to create a supportive, fair, and attractive environment for researchers. It aligns with the European Charter for Researchers and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers, promoting ethical research, transparent recruitment, career development, and work-life balance.

The new European Charter for Researchers (2023)

In December 2023, the European Commission adopted a revised version of the European Charter for Researchers, consolidating the Charter and the Code of Conduct for Recruitment into a comprehensive framework. The updated Charter outlines 20 key principles grouped into four pillars:

1. Ethics, Integrity, Gender, and Open Science
2. Recruitment, Assessment, and Career Progression
3. Working Conditions and Institutional Practices
4. Research Careers and Talent Development

Key highlights of the 2023 Charter include:

• Upholding the highest standards of research ethics and integrity
• Promoting open science, transparency, and data sharing
• Fostering gender equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Ensuring fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment
• Supporting continuous career development and diverse career paths
• Enhancing working conditions and researcher well-being

This updated framework reflects the EU’s commitment to fostering a competitive, responsible, and inclusive research ecosystem.

HR Excellence in Research at ULST

The University of Life Sciences "King Mihai I" of Timișoara (ULST) joined the HRS4R initiative as part of the third cohort of European institutions in 2012. Key milestones include:

• June 20, 2012: ULST signed the Declaration of Endorsement of the European Charter and Code, publicly committing to uphold high standards for research careers. The letter was published on the website of the European Commission.
• Since 2012: ULST has continuously developed and refined its policies to align with the Charter’s principles.
• June 2024: The Council of Administration of ULST decided to renew the university’s endorsement of the updated 2023 European Charter for Researchers.

• July – October 2024: ULST conducted a comprehensive survey among researchers and academic staff to gather feedback and identify priorities for improvement.
• Following this, based on the survey report, ULST carried out a thorough Gap Analysis to identify strengths and areas needing development.
• Based on the Gap Analysis, ULST developed and published an Action Plan focused on key priorities to enhance the academic environment and support researchers.

• April 11, 2025: ULST submitted a new Letter of Endorsement to the European Commission, reaffirming its commitment to the updated Charter.
• June 2025: ULST submitted the HRS4R documents to the European Commission.

ULST’s Vision for Research Excellence

ULST is committed to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive research environment that promotes innovation and career growth. Through active implementation of HRS4R and adherence to the 2023 European Charter for Researchers, ULST continues to strengthen its position as a competitive and responsible European research institution.

The HRS4R team at ULST is preparing an Open, Transparent, and Merit-based Recruitment Policy (OTM-R)